TV channels have urged to the administration to get involved the clash with IPL over match coverage rules.

In a declaration on Friday, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) stated that it had asked the I&B ministry to step into the argument as it did in 2008.

The I&B’s intervention at that time led to a negotiation and the rules formulated then had held well up till now.

However, the fresh regulations announced by the IPL governing council have strictly restricted the use of footage for news channels and have backed off from the guidelines, which were announced two years back.

As per new rules, news broadcasters will be capable of airing only 30 seconds per bulletin of fresh footage of IPL matches.

Besides, shots of matches can now be aired only three times daily as against four times for the previous two IPL seasons.

Previously, the compulsory delay from the live telecast was only 5 minutes, whereas the fresh rules specify a half-an-hour delay.

In 2009, ‘live telecast’ finished with the last ball of the match, but, this year, the definition has been lengthened to take in the post-match ceremonial occasions also.

More hard-and-fast limits have also been enforced on the use of archival footage until next season of IPL.

“[This dispute] had erupted in 2008. On that occasion, the intervention by the Ministry through the then Additional Secretary resulted in a compromise and the guidelines framed then held good till now. In the interest of millions of cricket-loving viewers, the Ministry must intervene and hammer out a compromise,” said the statement.

Failing to reach a conclusion could have severe outcome, with all parties risking the rage of cricket buffs and audiences, the IBF stated.